
Lesson 6, for May 10, 1941
Paul's Address on the Castle Stairs
SCRIPTURE: Acts 22.
MEMORY VERSE: "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest
know His will." Acts 22:14.
STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 408-410.
PLACE: Stairs leading up to the tower of Antonia in Jerusalem.
PERSONS: Paul; Claudius Lysias, the chief captain; centurion and soldiers;
Jews; chief priests; the Sanhedrin, the highest authority among the Jews. Reference
made to Gamaliel, Ananias, and Stephen.
Setting of the Lesson
Paul had been seized by the angry Jews while he was in the temple, and
they sought to take his life. He was protected from his enemies by Roman
soldiers under the command of Claudius Lysias, the chief captain. Paul asked
permission to speak to the Jews, and the captain consented.
Paul Addresses the Multitude
1.
By what courteous introduction did Paul gain the attention of his
hearers? What helped in arousing the interest? Acts 22: 1, 2.
NorE.—"Paul's every word and act at this moment of supreme danger
evinces remarkable courage, coolness, and self-possession. His one thought
now was to seize the occasion of speaking to the people, when he had a great
crowd before him, with their attention fixed on him. This might be an op-
portunity of bringing home the truth to
them."—Peloubet's Select Notes.
"Had he [Paul] spoken in Greek, the majority of those who heard him
would have understood his words. But the sound of the holy tongue in that
holy place fell like a calm on the troubled waters. The silence became universal
and breathless."—Conybeare and Howson,
The Life and Epistles of Saint
Paul,
chapter 21.
2.
What did Paul say of his early life and training? How did he refer
to his former zeal as a persecutor of the Christians? Verses 3-5.
NoTE.—In beginning his address, Paul referred to those things which would
give him influence among the Jews. Gamaliel was the most famous teacher
of that time. It is said of him, "His learning was so eminent and his char-
acter so revered, that he is one of the seven who alone among Jewish doctors
have been honored with the title of `Rabban.' " He it was who gave counsel
against slaying Peter and others. Acts 5:34-40. He was still living, an aged
man, when Paul spoke, but died three years later, while Paul was on his
journey to Rome.
But in another school, at the feet of the divine Teacher, this pupil had
exchanged the dead forms of learned rabbinical teaching for the life-trans-
forming and saving truths of the gospel, "determined not to know anything
among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2.
3.
What does Paul say of the way he was changed from this course of
action? What conversation does he repeat? Acts 22:6-8.
NOTE.—Paul saw Jesus, and heard His voice; and that one glimpse of the
Saviour won his heart and changed his life. It was conversion. Not with the
same physical demonstration,
but just as truly, Jesus, by His Spirit, seeks to
reveal Himself to every soul.
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